Resisting Change in Suburbia Asian Immigrants and by James Zarsadiaz PAPERBACK

University of California Press

Explore the compelling history of Asian immigrants in Los Angeles and their impact on suburban landscapes in "Resisting Change in Suburbia" by James Zarsadiaz. This insightful book delves into how Asian Americans navigated and shaped communities in the East San Gabriel Valley between the 1980s and the 2000s, challenging notions of the 'model minority' and suburban identity. Discover the interplay of 'country living' ideals, Western agrarian symbols, and the resistance faced by both white homeowners and affluent Asian immigrants seeking to preserve a conservative Anglocentric milieu. Zarsadiaz meticulously examines how myths of suburbia, the American West, and the American Dream influenced regional planning, suburban design, and the very concepts of race and belonging. This comprehensive historical account offers a nuanced perspective on immigration, assimilation, and the evolving social fabric of suburban America. Key themes include: * The rise of Asian Americans as a significant demographic force in the East San Gabriel Valley. * The cultural and political influence of Asian immigrants on local policies and suburban space. * The complex dynamics between white homeowners, Asian immigrants, and the preservation of suburban identity. * The role of historical myths and dreams in shaping regional planning and racial belonging. Product Summary: History book detailing Asian immigration and suburban change in Los Angeles. Author James Zarsadiaz examines the cultural and political impact of Asian Americans on suburban spaces, exploring themes of assimilation, race, and belonging within the context of regional planning and historical myths. Published by University of California Press, this 306-page paperback provides an in-depth analysis of the complexities of suburban transformation.